SPECIES OF FLEA FOUND ON CATS AND DOGS IN SOUTH-WEST ENGLAND - FURTHER EVIDENCE OF THEIR POLYXENOUS STATE AND IMPLICATIONS FOR FLEA CONTROL

Fleas were collected from 60 dogs and 32 cats living in south west Eng land. Ctenocephalides felis felis and Ctenocephalides canis were found on both dogs and cats, with a marked preponderance of C felis felis o n both species. More female fleas than males were found. There was no apparent tendency for C canis to be found more often in rural areas th an in suburban areas. The survey confirmed the polyxenous nature of bo th species of flea. The significance of this state is discussed in rel ation to flea control, and the author concludes that it is unlikely th at all significant flea species could be completely eliminated from th e environment of pet animals.